Carter Capps’ imminent closer stint has been put off by a trip to the DL
In many fantasy leagues, this is the last week leading up to the trading deadline. Owners, especially in keeper leagues, need to decide if they are all-in for 2015 or if they need to start building for next year. While there aren’t as many big-name players on this week’s injury update, there are plenty of solid contributors. Here’s how their injuries impact their fantasy value.
- Mookie Betts (BOS OF) has been medically cleared to resume baseball activities and, barring setbacks, should return from his concussion at some point next week.
- Byron Buxton (MIN OF) started his rehab assignment for his left thumb strain on Friday, going 3-for-5 as the designated hitter for the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings. There is still no timetable for his return to Minnesota, however, so keep him on your DL for now.
- Carter Capps (MIA SP) has pitched well for the Marlins. He’s posted an ERA of 1.16 with a WHIP of 0.81, while striking out 58 batters in just 31 innings, Capps appeared ready to receive save chances because of A.J. Ramos’ recent struggles. Unfortunately, Capps was placed on the disabled list earlier this week because of a right elbow strain. An arthrogram showed no structural damage, so the team is hoping this injury is minor. Remember that Capps missed most of last season with a similar issue, though the reliever doesn’t think this injury is as severe. “I knew it wasn’t that serious [Sunday] night. It was just a different type of pain [than in 2014]. I’m pretty excited that it’s not more serious than it is,” Capps said. “I think it’s mostly precautionary. My arm feels great, full range of motion. It’s good news. Unfortunately, I’ve got to go on the DL so we can get some pitchers up here. But it’s a great opportunity for other guys.”
- Adam Eaton (CWS OF) left Friday’s contest against Kansas City early, injuring his left shoulder from an awkward fall after catching a fly ball from Ben Zobrist. Neither X-rays nor an MRI revealed structural damage so consider Eaton day-to-day. “I feel all right,” Eaton said. “We had an MRI. We had an X-ray. All’s clear. I’ve been dealing with it a couple of weeks. The day off or whatever was kind of shoulder tightness, but I’m feeling better. We’ll be day to day. If I had my way, I would be in there tomorrow, so we’ll see what Skip thinks.” After a recent hot streak, Eaton has just two hits in his last 12 at-bats. That, combined with his statement about dealing with a shoulder injury for a few weeks, should mean you have options ready to plug in for Eaton in case the situation does not resolve quickly.
- Freddie Freeman (ATL 1B) finally made his return to the Braves’ lineup from a right wrist contusion. He appeared in 10 games, struggling with a .184 batting average, before returning to the disabled list for a strained right oblique. Remember that the oblique muscles are partially responsible for creating the trunk rotation needed for throwing and swinging a bat. The best-case scenario for Freeman’s return is four weeks, which would place him back in Atlanta’s lineup in early September. With the Braves 9.5 games out of the NL East lead, and I don’t think the additions of Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn will change things, so I expect Atlanta to be exceptionally conservative with Freeman. If you have the room on your DL, especially in keeper leagues, stash him away. In leagues with shallow benches or DL spots, you can certainly make the case for dropping him based on who is available in your league’s free agent pool.
- Jason Kipnis (CLE 2B) has been dealing with soreness in his right shoulder for much of the season. This week, after an MRI, Cleveland placed him on the disabled list, retroactive to August 2, because of shoulder inflammation. He is expected to be out of action for two to three weeks, and you can check out some temporary replacements here.
- Mike Leake (SF SP) felt his left hamstring tighten up when conditioning on Monday. Leake stated the following, “Lack of getting ready on my part. It was my last sprint. I would’ve been done.” He was scratched from his next start, and the Giants ultimately placed him on the 15-day DL retroactive to August 4. He is expected to return as soon as he is eligible.
- Joe Panik (SF 2B) was placed on the disabled list on Monday because of inflammation in his lower back. An MRI confirmed that there was only inflammation and no structural damage. Barring setbacks, he should return for the Giants as soon as he is eligible.
- Andrelton Simmons (ATL SS) injured his thumb last weekend making a diving attempt on a ground ball. An MRI showed a bone bruise but no ligament damage. He has not played since and finally was able to hit in a batting cage on Friday. Manager Fredi Gonzalez thinks his shortstop can return by the end of this weekend, explaining, “I (asked Simmons), ‘How does it feel? When can you play?” Gonzalez said. “He goes, ‘Whenever you put me in.’” His fantasy value is limited to NL-only leagues, as he is batting just .254 on the season, with three home runs and one stolen base. If you own him in that format, watch his progress this weekend.
- Rafael Soriano (CHC RP) was placed on the disabled list retroactive to August 4 because of inflammation in his right shoulder. Once thought of as a possible candidate for saves in the Cubs’ bullpen, Soriano has struggled for Chicago, posting a 6.35 ERA and a 1.59 WHIP. If you gambled on him, you can safely drop him in all formats.
- Stephen Strasburg (WAS SP) will be activated from the disabled list and has recovered from his oblique injury to make the start for Washington on Saturday. While it was expected to bump Joe Ross from the rotation, Strasburg’s return will move Doug Fister into Washington’s bullpen. Strasburg was pitching extremely well when he returned from his neck injury, even though he only pitched 15 2/3 innings over three games before injuring his oblique. He is certainly a risky play because of his injury history but, when healthy, Strasburg is a true fantasy ace. Get him active as soon as possible.
- Chris Tillman (BAL SP) has not pitched for Baltimore since spraining his left ankle on July 29. After completing a bullpen session on Friday, he is scheduled to do fielding drills on Saturday, making it likely Tillman will make his next start on Monday. Tillman has pitched well as of late, allowing just five earned runs in his last six starts so make sure he is active for his next outing.
Jeremy Tiermini is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Jeremy follow him @JeremyTiermini.
